03-05-2001 Council Special Agenda

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission March 1, 2001 • Round off the SE corner of the corner landscape area. The City Administrator noted that planting areas will not have water readily available. They will also be subject to salt damage. Lastly, he is concerned about long -term appearance, noting our staff is already stretched thin in this area. He said planters may be a better alternative if we can get someone to maintain them. The plant materials also would not be subject to as much salt damage. TRAIL Sanders presented a plan for a trail connection from Jackson Street to the Water Works CONNECTION trail. The trail is eight feet wide and it meanders through the trees due to the grade in this area. This plan does not quite meet handicapped accessibility requirements. Sanders stated that plantings could be added in the fixture along this trail. The Parks & Recreation Director stated that snowplowing may be tough due to the meandering of the trail. The Public Works Director stated that he was okay with the meandering, but did not want any trees hanging over the trail due to snowplowing concerns. The City Administrator suggested having the bobcat plow the trail since it provides easier maneuverability. The Parks & Recreation Director commented that the City was not mandated to make the trail handicapped accessible, especially due to the grade. Work on this project will begin this year. The City Administrator suggested bidding this project with the Little Canada Road/McMenemy parking lot to obtain cost savings. TRAIL Sanders presented a plan for completing a trail under Xcel Energy's power lines which SYSTEM connects to Pioneer Park. The City Administrator stated that he has contacted Xcel and they seem to be cooperative in providing an easement for the trail. However, the last time the City inquired about obtaining easements, there were a few private property owners who were opposed to donating land for such an easement. The City Administrator felt it is time to approach the property owners once again to see if they were still opposed to such an easement. He stated that the City is in a position to offer money for the easement. Danielson recommended exploring the possibility of obtaining a trail easement on the west side of Payne Avenue to connect to the existing trail Motion seconded by Gray. Motion carried S — 0. Sanders stated that he will be applying for the grant in May. A packet of information on the grant will be mailed to City Center and Sanders asked that he be called when the packet is received. Page 18